Lukas welcome to Canada. Congratulations on a spectacular “come from behind” win at the Tour de Ski. How is everything at Silver Star?
LB: Silver Star is amazing, I’m very impressed with the trails and grooming which is like the World Cups. To be honest when I went to the Silver Star website and saw the Alpine resort pictures, I was not sure what level the cross-country skiing trails would be, but everything is incredible.
I enjoy skiing straight from the hotel – I ski twice a day so it’s a bonus to not have ride in a car or a train. And there are so many trails. I have been here 10 days and still find new trails that I have not skied yet. The altitude is perfect as well and it’s ideal to have the weight room here. There are two trail systems that are connected to make one great system. I like Canada!
Was your gradual improvement over the Tour a result of preparation for the Olympics, or did you enjoy staying out of the spotlight, and letting Northug take all the pressure? Or both?!
LB: I had 14 days of great training leading up to the Tour and felt the real Tour started in the second half in Italy – that was my plan. At first I thought there was no way to catch Petter [Northug] but then he started to show that he was tired. I am very happy with how I skied the Tour. It was incredible, a miracle maybe.
LB: I have three goals this year: 1. Tour de Ski 2. WC Otepaa 3. Olympics
What are your total training hours for this year?
LB: 800 hours
How and where did you begin skiing as a child?
LB: I started skiing at age 2 or 3 years old at my local club. The emphasis was playing on skis and I did not focus on results until age 14 or 15. I didn’t have early success as a child and only started to have some results when I was 18. As a child results were not important and usually you had to look at the bottom to see my name.
You haven’t raced in Canada since you were 2nd in the 30km Freestyle at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships. What do you remember of those races?
LB: I raced in Canmore and had success. I remember those races very much and hope to have success again in Canada at the Olympics.
What’s the most satisfying win of your career?
LB: There are many – 1st victory and placing 2nd in Canmore; 2002 Salt Lake City; 07/08 Tour de Ski champion and overall WC Champion; 2010 Tour de Ski; and we will see what is next.
What are your impressions of the Olympic courses in Vancouver?
LB: I have not skied in Whistler and plan to go to there on February 5 and try out the race courses. Normally we travel the world and race at venues with only one day to learn the course so I feel comfortable with the plan the team has in place. We will not race at the Canmore WCup, and will focus on the Olympic Games.
LB: Yes.
You told the Czech media that you will race the 15km free (interval start), the 30km Pursuit, Team Relay, and the 50km classic mass start. Which is your favorite event? The event you’d most like to medal in?
LB: I hope to be able to fight for a medal in every race and I hope all the best skiers are there and healthy – I want no one sick or injured. It is best when all the best skiers are at the start line. Relay is a high focus, and the 50km classic.
Best of luck with the rest of the season.
LB: Thanks